Relevance: GS II (Social Justice & Education) | Source: Indian Express
1. The Context: A Mandate, Not Advice
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new regulations to strictly curb caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.
- The Shift: Unlike the weak advisory rules of 2012, the 2026 Regulations are mandatory.
- The Trigger: Persistent cases of discrimination and student suicides (e.g., Rohith Vemula case) necessitated a legal framework with “teeth” to protect SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students.
2. The New Mechanism (The “Equity” Shield)
The regulations mandate a three-tier protection system on every campus:
- Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC): A body of 5 faculty members to oversee policy and provide legal aid to disadvantaged students.
- Equity Committee: A 10-member appellate body chaired by the Head of the Institution. Crucially, 50% of members must belong to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women) to ensure fair representation.
- Equity Squads: Mobile vigilance units (similar to anti-ragging squads) that will patrol “vulnerable spots” (hostels, canteens) to prevent harassment.
3. Timelines & Accountability
- Speed: Complaints must be attended to within 24 hours. The committee must submit a report in 15 days, and the college must act within 7 days of that report.
- The Stick: If an institution fails to comply, the UGC can now cut off central grants or debar the college from future schemes.
- OBC Inclusion: For the first time, discrimination against OBC students is explicitly covered (absent in 2012 rules).
UPSC Value Box
Concept / Regulation | Relevance for Prelims |
| UGC Act, 1956 | The statutory backing for these regulations. Section 12 of the Act empowers UGC to withhold grants from universities that violate its regulations. |
| Rohith Vemula Act (Proposed) | Student groups have long demanded a specific legislative act to end caste discrimination on campuses. These 2026 regulations are seen as a regulatory response to that demand. |
| Article 15 | The Constitutional basis for these rules. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. |
Q. With reference to the “UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026”, consider the following statements:
- These regulations apply only to Central Universities and not to private or state institutions.
- The regulations mandate the formation of “Equity Squads” to maintain vigil against discrimination on campuses.
- For the first time, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are explicitly included within the protective framework of equity regulations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
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